Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/687399
70 / the tasting panel / june 2016 "It's not often you get to go to an industry event and see a room full of women," begins Morgann Cook, Field Marketing Manager, West Coast, for Beam Suntory. Although we were outside for a gorgeous luncheon dur- ing Whiskey Week, there were, indeed, women everywhere. Recognizing that the female consumer is increasingly keen on whiskey, Beam Suntory has begun dedicating efforts to connect- ing women in the industry with the whiskey-drinking consumer, with the end goal being a better understanding of and appreciation for the category. The lone man in the space, Adam Harris, National Bourbon Ambassador for Beam Suntory, was there to tip his hat to women whiskey lovers everywhere, in particular, the women behind Maker's Mark. "In 60-plus years of making bourbon at Maker's Mark, women have been behind the whiskey." One woman, in particular, is of note: Margie Samuels. The wife of Maker's Mark founder Bill Samuels, Margie had been a collector of Cognac bottles; she liked the way they looked and their shape, and convinced her husband that this should be the bottle shape for their signature whiskey. She also came up with the iconic red wax seal, insisting that every bottle be hand-dipped, as they still are today. Margie even designed the Maker's Mark label: "She hand-wrote the label; this is her handwriting!" Harris exclaimed. "This is our icon; this is our look—and a woman was behind it all. It was the first time a woman had designed a package in the spirits industry." From Margie Samuels to today, Maker's Mark continues to be guided by a woman's hand: Victoria MacRae Samuels is the VP of Operations at Maker's Mark, and continues to inspire women in the spirits industry to achieve more. Harris believes that for women in whiskey, this is just the beginning. "There is so much to be said for the aptitude of the female palate," says Harris. "Women can pick up on nuances in ways we men can't only hope for. Whiskey's not a 'masculine' beverage—it's a very romantic bever- age, actually, and I think women understand that." —Rachel Burkons EVENT WRAP-UP The women of Southern Wine & Spirits. Top row (left to right): Kristen Johnson, Corey Cline, Lexie Carnes, Natalie Curio, Laura Hodgkinson and Jennifer Lemus. Bottom row (left to right): Kelli Carnes, Kayley Braun, Molly Crowder, Leanne Chau, Nikki Bazzo, Loulie Willis, Abby Kuchta and Michelle Smith. PHOTO: CAL BINGHAM PHOTO: CAL BINGHAM National Bourbon Ambassador for Beam Suntory Adam Harris at the Lombardi House in Los Angeles. Morgann Cook, Field Marketing Manager, West Coast, for Beam Suntory. in